Duchess Catherine reemerges in the public sphere following a cancer diagnosis.
Rejoice, folks in the UK! Princess Kate is planning to make a comeback to public appearances, nearly three months after announcing her cancer diagnosis. Her announcement was made in a heartfelt note by Kate, wife of Prince William, the British heir apparent, which was shared by Kensington Palace. "I'm eager to be a part of this weekend's King's birthday parade with my family, and I aim to attend some public events this summer," the note read. Kate revealed that she's making solid progress in her cancer treatment, but acknowledged that she's not out of the woods yet. Kensington Palace also shared a fresh image of the 42-year-old.
Kate was last spotted in public during Christmas. At that time, the family attended a church service near Sandringham, their royal residence in East Anglia. Specifics about Kate's health issue remain undisclosed. She underwent an abdomen surgery in January, and following the operation, test results confirmed cancer. Kate revealed this in a public video she shared at the end of March. On the advice of her medical team, she underwent chemotherapy as a precaution.
Kate's father-in-law, King Charles III, is also battling cancer and is undergoing treatment. Since the end of April, the British monarch has returned to his typical engagements and even visited France for the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings. Unlike the king, Kate stepped away from her royal duties entirely. Her husband, Prince William, took a break in the spring to stay by his wife's side and help with their three children.
Later, Kate apologized to the Irish Guards' royal regiment in a letter for missing the rehearsal for the traditional King's birthday parade. As the regiment's honorary colonel, Kate was supposed to participate in the preliminary rehearsal on the previous Saturday. "I look forward to representing you all soon," her letter read. This sparked rumors that the princess would appear in public soon.
Charles Rides in a Carriage
On Saturday, thousands of soldiers in uniform and fox furs celebrate the UK at 11 a.m. CEST during King Charles' birthday parade, known as "Trooping the Colour." Due to his cancer treatment, the Monarch won't ride the grand parade "Trooping the Colour" on horseback as he did last year. Instead, the 75-year-old will travel the short distance from Buckingham Palace to the parade ground in a carriage.
The term "Trooping the Colour" originates from the presentation of the colors, or flags, of the participating regiments during King Charles II's reign (1660-1685). In 1748, it was decided that the official birthday of the King would be celebrated with the parade. The main reason is that the weather is typically better in June compared to other months. King Charles III turned 75 on November 14.
As the soldiers of the royal guard in red parade uniforms and bearskin caps march past on the parade ground in front of The King, spectators are left awestruck. The spectacle reaches its climax when Military aircraft and helicopters of the Royal Air Force fly over Buckingham Palace while the Royal Family stands on the balcony.
